Breast Health Patient Navigation Program Launched with Support from Susan G. Komen® Southern New England; Serving Greater Bristol and New Britain Communities

Community Contributor jmorrison5

Wheeler launched a Breast Health Patient Navigation program in partnership with Susan G. Komen® Southern New England and Bristol Hospital's Beekley Center for Breast Health & Wellness. The program, funded by a $76,930 grant from Komen Southern New England, includes the addition of a breast health patient navigator to significantly increase breast health outreach to underserved residents in the Greater Bristol and New Britain communities. The grant supporting the Breast Health Patient Navigation Program is one of 14 awarded by the local Komen affiliate this year.

The patient navigation program, based at the Wheeler Health & Wellness Center at 10 North Main Street, Bristol, will help increase patient awareness of breast health and breast cancer services, as well as eliminate barriers and increase access to breast health screening, diagnostics and other services.

"We look forward to working with Susan G. Komen Southern New England, Bristol Hospital's Beekley Center for Breast Health & Wellness and other community providers to help residents of Greater Bristol and New Britain access essential breast health services," said Susan Walkama, LCSW, president and chief executive officer, Wheeler. "We know that Bristol and New Britain have high breast cancer mortality rates, and Bristol has a high incidence of breast cancer. This grant will help us to address disparities in care by educating and engaging our community's most vulnerable populations and facilitating access to preventive care and/or treatment."

"It's important that we work together to improve the breast health of our neighbors," said Lori van Dam, CEO of Susan G. Komen Southern New England. "These grant programs are essential in ensuring that women and families have the support and care they require to be healthy. We're proud to support Wheeler and its partner Bristol Hospital's Beekley Center for Breast Health & Wellness and their efforts to address the needs of community members."

How the Program Works Wheeler's breast health patient navigator, Elena Villafana, will provide breast health outreach and education for residents in the Greater Bristol and New Britain communities. Her efforts will include breast cancer risk assessment; referrals for screening and diagnostic services; and assistance with navigating systems of care. Bristol Hospital's Beekley Center for Health & Wellness, a collaborative partner in this program, will offer free offer mammograms and other diagnostic tests to individuals in need, including low-income and uninsured patients, and others who are unable to meet high insurance deductibles or co-pays. The Beekley Center's nurse navigator will provide assistance and guidance during an individual's appointment and follow-up care.

With the help of local residents and businesses, Komen Southern New England raises money year-round to invest in breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs and national research initiatives. Wheeler's Breast Health Patient Navigation Program is one such community-based program that provides education and access to screening and treatment for Connecticut women and families.For information about the Breast Health Patient Navigation Program, please contact Elena Villafana, breast health patient navigator, Wheeler, at 860.920.4122 or evillafana@wheelerclinic.org.

Susan G. Komen® Southern New England Susan G. Komen Southern New England is working to better the lives of that facing breast cancer in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Through events like the Race for the Cure®, Komen Southern New England has raised money that has funded $11 million in community breast health programs in Connecticut, $9 million in Massachusetts, and nearly $7 million to support breast cancer research. For more information, visit KomenSouthernNewEngland.org.

The Beekley Center for Breast Health & Wellness at Bristol HospitalBristol Hospital's Beekley Center for Breast Health & Wellness offers patients comprehensive breast care and wellness in a spa-like setting. The center's nurse navigator assists patients with scheduling, coordinating appointments, as well as providing support during any testing and treatment.

Bristol HospitalFounded in 1921, Bristol Hospital is the leading health provider for people who live and work in the Greater Bristol area. Proud of its achievements in service excellence, Bristol Hospital has earned national recognition for its commitment to providing outstanding patient care. Bristol Hospital has 154 licensed beds and offers a complete range of patient services including a first-rate emergency center that cares for more than 40,000 patients each year. Bristol Hospital achieved ANCC Magnet Recognition® in July 2015 from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Wheeler Health & Wellness Center, Bristol The Wheeler Health & Wellness Center at 10 North Main Street, Bristol, is open to the public Monday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins for primary care services welcome. First-time walk-in behavioral health evaluations are available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dental services, provided by a registered dental hygienist, are available. Call for an appointment. The Wheeler Health & Wellness Center provides an array of behavioral health and medical health care services to individuals and families, including primary and walk-in care for all ages; well-child care and immunizations; physical examinations; women's health; integrated behavioral health care; on-site preventive dental care and coordination and referral for dental care and specialty health care services; and tobacco cessation services and support. Services are available in English and Spanish. Medicaid, Medicare and commercial health insurance are welcome for primary care services, and a sliding fee scale is available. Dental services insurance coverage varies. Additional funding for the Wheeler Health & Wellness Center is provided by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the United Way of West Central Connecticut and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For information, call 860.584.6555.

About Wheeler ClinicWheeler provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages recovery, health and growth at all stages of life. Our integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes and hopeful tomorrows for more than 30,000 individuals across Connecticut each year. Learn more: www.wheelerclinic.org.

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